Wild Fires

Brush fires north of Buenos Aires have created a hazy, smoke filled city. Some speculate that it may have been the Farm Protesters who set the fires, but no one knows how they were caused. The city continues to send more fireman to the Northern Province. Don't let me give you the wrong idea, they are not in our backyard, but the southernly winds are blowing right in our direction.

We just received this warning from the Embassy:

Land fires generate a complex mixture of many pollutants which have acutely irritating health effects which can exacerbate existing health conditions and/or bring on symptoms in healthy people. The pollutants generated by fires, unlike normal everyday activities, are particularly difficult to remove from the air stream due to their chemical and physical properties (extremely small sizes, gaseous) and concentration in the outdoor air. Because of this they are permeating into occupied spaces like housing units and office buildings. A very important step in dealing with this is to minimize exposure to the outdoor air and minimize infiltration of the outdoor air into the indoor environment.

All post personnel are advised of the following methods to minimize exposure to air pollution during this event, those with respiratory problems such as asthma should take particular care:

Limiting time and activity outdoors;
Reducing the air exchange rate between the indoor and outdoor environment by closing windows and implementing weatherizing techniques such as taping up windows, doors, and any openings to the outside, limiting the use of household exhaust fans in the bathroom and the kitchen range hood;
Staying in air conditioning spaces with the unit set on recirculation;
Refraining from exercise - exercise leads to increased respiration, bypasses the effective filtering of the nose and results in increased lung exposure;
Reducing use of tobacco products and other smokeable items;
Minimize children's outdoor play;
Driving with the air conditioning on in automobiles with the air supply set on recirculation.

You should also drink plenty of liquids and use eye drops for eye irritation. Those with respiratory problems should ensure they have an adequate supply of medications on hand. The use of disposable dust masks is not recommended due to their inability to adequaltely provide protection in this type of event.